Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Air Fryer Corn on the Cob is the perfect easy side dish for summer, turning fresh corn into tender, plump perfection with a blend of spices, fast and ready in just minutes. This delicious method ensures each cob is cooked to deliciousness, making it a go-to for quick and tasty meals.

This corn-on-the-cob recipe is an all-purpose side dish perfect for almost every dinner. Using the air fryer is a game-changer! No more messy grills or heavy pots of water. I think it’s the best way of cooking corn ears. 

The even better part is that you can change the spices or herbs on the corn so everyone can have exactly what they want. Serve it with just melted butter or top with parmesan cheese. There are endless ways to make delicious corn in the air fryer. 

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and quick. Air frying is the easiest way to cook corn cobs. 
• Budget-Friendly. The only ingredients in this delicious side dish are corn and spices. 
• Perfect for Sweet Corn Season. This easy air fryer corn is the best way to cook corn from the farmer’s market. 
• Easy to Customize. This is an excellent option for large family dinners. 
• Amazing Texture. When you air fry corn, it comes out steamy and tender, with juicy corn kernels. 

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

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You’ll need this from the store before you start cooking.

• Ears of Corn: This is the base of the recipe, so use your favorite corn cobs. 
• Olive Oil: This coats the corn to keep it juicy. 
• Cajun Seasoning: This perfectly balances heat and saltiness to the corn. 
• Garlic Powder: The garlic powder rounds out the flavors of the Cajun seasoning. 
• Salt: Use just enough to brighten and enhance the other flavors.
• Fresh Cilantro: This herb is optional; if you don’t like cilantro, you can use parsley instead. 
• Lime Wedges: These are used as a garnish. 
• Butter: Let it melt and soak into the kernels. 

How to Make Air Fryer Corn on the Cob

Making corn in the air fryer is so easy. Here’s more information about this simple cooking method.  

• Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Step Two: In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.

• Step Three: Brush each ear of corn with the seasoned olive oil mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
• Step Four: Place the seasoned corn in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each ear for air circulation.
• Step Five: Cook the corn in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time or until the kernels are tender and slightly charred.

• Step Six: Once cooked, remove the corn from the air fryer and transfer it to a serving platter. If desired, sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning, chopped fresh cilantro, and butter.

What to Serve with It

Serve the tender corn on the cob with sour cream and lime juice. It’s a versatile side dish that goes with any of these entrees: 

• Easy Stuffed Burgers
• Burger Hobo Packets
• Ginger Lime Chicken
• Fish Tacos

Variations and Substitutions

• Use different spices. Instead of Cajun seasoning, try it with Creole seasoning, Old Bay, or your favorite spice mix. 
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to make it spicy or mild. To make it even spicier, add Cayenne pepper. 
• Cut the kernels off the cob and use them in a corn salad. 
• Top with fresh herbs. I used cilantro, but you can use parsley, basil, or fresh rosemary. 
• Cut off the kernels, top with Cojita cheese, and make Mexican street corn salad. 

Storage Instructions 

Cooked corn will last for about three days in the fridge. Keep it covered in an airtight container.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

• Flip halfway through cooking time. This will ensure that cooking is even on all sides. 
• Preheat the air fryer. This way, the corn will go into a hot air fryer basket. 
• Cook time might vary. Check on the corn. 
• Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil. This will make the cleanup easier.  
• Use tongs to remove the corn cobs from the air fryer. They will be hot! 

How to Pick the Perfect Corn

You might think you have to shuck the corn in the store to see if it’s good – but please don’t do that.

To find the perfect corn, lift it. If it’s heavier than it looks, then it’s a good piece of corn and will have golden kernels.

Another way to tell if the corn is good is to look at the tassels. Avoid corn that has sticky black or dark brown tassels. They should be white, yellow, or maybe light brown. 

How to Shuck Corn

It’s easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps.

1. Pull a section of tassel down from the top to the bottom. 
2. Repeat that step until you have removed the outer husk around the corn. 
3. Rinse the corn under cool water and brush away silky strands between the kernels. 

Other Ways to Cook Corn on the Cob

I also like to cook corn on the cob in two other ways: in the Instant Pot and on the stove. 

To cook it in the Instant Pot, follow these steps: 

1. Fill the Instant Pot liner with water. Add the corn. 
2. Put the liner in the Instant Pot and seal it. 
3. Cook on manual high for 3-4 minutes. 
4. Do a quick release of all the pressure. 

Or boil the corn on the stove. 

1. Fill a pot with water. 
2. Add the corn to the pot. 
3. Boil the water and the corn. 
4. Let it boil for 4-5 minutes. 

Can I Use Frozen Corn? 

Yes, you can use frozen corn on the cob. They are smaller, will fit into your basket better, and you don’t have to shuck them. It’s a great idea. 

What to Do If the Corn is Too Big for the Air Fryer 

Check the size of your air fryer before adding the spices to the corn. If the corn is too big, cut the corn cob in half using a sharp chef’s knife. 

Toppings

Be creative and try different things on top of your corn on the cob! Here are some ideas to get you started. 

• Parmesan Cheese 
• Hot Pepper Jelly
• Mayonnaise 
• Blue Cheese 
• Goat Cheese 
• Bacon 
• Everything Bagel Seasoning 
• Chili Powder 

Air Fryer Veggie Recipes            

Here are some other air fryer vegetable recipes you should make next. 

• Air Fryer Zucchini Chips
• Air Fryer Fried Pickles
• Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Corn Ribs

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